Escaping to the country is a dream for many people. Some would like to feel closer to nature and enjoy the scenic beauty of the South African landscape, others have equestrian interests and some just want more open space around them. Whatever the reason, country living provides a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
This five bedroom, six bathroom home in the Blair Atholl Golf Estate provides a countryside lifestyle with the security and convenience of the city. Close to Lanseria Airport, the estate offers a spa and wellness centre and a championship Gary Player-designed golf course. It’s on the market for R10 million - click here to view.“The property market in Johannesburg’s northern suburbs has seen exponential growth in recent times. What was once literally a four-way stop with a small roadside garage has now become an example of the modern approach to urban living,” says Paula Wilson of Fine and Country.
“The Fourways Precinct is gaining ground daily, with up to 12 cranes visible on the skyline at any one time. Huge developments in the retail, business and residential markets are springing up at a raging pace.”
She says taking Cedar Road northwards will bring you to a hidden gem in the form of Chartwell North Estates. Comprised of 380ha of land divided between only 145 homes, this unique estate borders the impressive Steyn City Development.
Residents of Chartwell North can experience a country atmosphere with the convenience of direct main road access and close proximity to world-class shopping centres, hospitals, schools and entertainment destinations.
Chartwell North residents contribute to a homeowners association that recently invested in top fibre-optic technology for their CCTV systems around the estate. Boomed access, 24-hour security and an armed response unit ensures the safety of their residents.
This property situated within the Crocodile River Reserve overlooking the Crocodile and Jukskei Rivers has four bedrooms, an open-plan dining area with a log-burning double-sided fireplace, and water is supplied by a borehole with a pressure pump. It is listed for R3.8 million - click here to view.Moving further north is the burgeoning Lanseria Airport, which itself is undergoing substantial expansion thanks to private equity investment of over R10 billion. A newly-opened control tower complex, the construction of a three-storey parking complex and the extension of the Gautrain to soon reach the airport complements plans to grow the airport to a capacity of over 4 million passengers per year.
“Yet, right on the doorstep of this busy hub lies the epitome of luxurious country living, Blair Atholl Golf Estate. Originally the home of world-renowned golfer Gary Player and his family, this championship golf course remains close to his heart,” says Wilson.
The 600ha estate holds only 329 stands, providing an average of almost 2ha per property each, separated by at least half an acre of natural vegetation.
“There are almost too many features to mention in this estate, an impressive spa and wellness centre is housed adjacent to a stone-built clubhouse with views stretching over the golf course to the Magaliesberg Mountains in the distance,” says Wilson.
This five bedroom, five bathroom home is on 9 672sqm property nestled in the Chartwell North Estate, adjacent to the growing Fourways precinct, and offers sweeping view of the bushveld. Outside is an infinity pool, jaccuzi and fire pit. It is on the market for R8.5 million - click here to view.“The equestrian centre features stables and paddocks on the estate’s main boulevard and offers jumping and lunge arenas, a working track, and offers an assortment of lessons, pony camps, and gymkhanas for both amateur and skilled riders.”
She says the estate has a quaint village green area where families can enjoy a meal, the tennis courts, cricket nets, jumping castles and a pool, providing a safe social environment for children to grow up in.
Adjacent to Blair Athol and within the buffer zone of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site, is the Rhenosterspruit Nature Conservancy whose biodiversity stewardship project aims to provide a formal yet flexible format for landowners who wish to conserve the biodiversity of their land.
“The conservancy is home to many significant heritage sites with cultural, archaeological, palaeontological and living heritage significance. The area has tremendous scenic beauty with sweeping vistas and uninterrupted views,” says Wilson.
Landowners have, by agreement, fenced large areas and reintroduced game to the area. At last count, they recorded 90 mammal species, 55 species of amphibians, tortoises, turtles and snakes and over 298 species of birds. One homeowner recounts sightings of honey badgers, brown hyena and civet as they enjoy spectacular sunsets on the patio of their home.
“As the encroaching development of the northern suburbs continues, these estates provide a haven for those seeking a better quality of life. Moving to the countryside doesn’t have to be a compromise on luxury or safety,” says Wilson.
“Each of these comes with state-of-the-art-security features in secure or boomed estates and provide the best finishes, huge rooms and fantastic entertainment areas. With these hidden oases in the northern suburbs it is possible to enjoy the best of both worlds,” she says.
Print
